All Power APG3014 main viewThe All Power APG3014 is an excellent choice for a lower powered portable generator.  It is rated at 1400 running watts and 2000 starting watts.  Some might say that 1400 watts is not low power since portable generators are available in less than 1000 watts.  For purposes of this review site, versatility is key.  Although they have their uses for powering one item at a time, portable generators lower than this range typically do not have enough features to review.

This unit, however, at a lower price will give you features that you want and the versatility of a minimal power portable generator as an emergency safeguard for a power outage.  There are some features such as low oil shutoff and multiple outlets including DC that make it a wise choice.  It won’t run your entire house during an emergency but will run the necessities and be more than enough for around the house, camping and tailgating.

You get the basics in a 3 HP OHV 4-cycle gas powered engine,   Unfortunately for our friends in California, the All Power APG3014 is NOT CARB compliant and not for sale or use in California.  You can visit their website at Allpoweramerica.com.  All Power is a global company with a headquarters in North Carolina.  Distribution warehouses are located across the continent including locations in California, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina, Toronto Canada, and Puerto Rico.

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Sportsman GEN4000LP main view with tankThe main reason to consider the Sportsman GEN4000LP is for the fuel – liquid propane.  The vast majority of portable generators run on gasoline.  The main benefit of liquid propane is that it runs cleaner, however there are several other benefits to consider as you read on.

Although burning liquid propane burns cleaner, they still must be run with other safety considerations as they can still produce deadly Carbon Monoxide (up to 40% less) and should never be used in closed areas such as garages or basements.

This generator is not CARB compliant, however Sportsman does make a CARB compliant 7000watt model.  Made in China, these portable generators are distributed by Buffalo Tools in St. Louis, MO.  Their website is informative (www.buffalotools.com) but they do not sell the public. Read the rest of this entry

Westinghouse WH7500E main viewGrouping portable generators into three wattage groups, the Westinghouse WH7500E is at the top of category three in popularity.  Category three being the range of 7000 watts to 10000 watts.  At 7500 running watts and 9000 starting watts, it is on the higher end of power for periodic home use.  It has enough power capacity to power most of your essentials during a power outage and enough to actually hook into your home’s power supply via transfer switch, without wishing you had more power.

Add to this the electric start with included battery, 120V/240V power, an included wheel kit, and even an hour meter. At a reasonable price for the power and features, plus the name Westinghouse, and you have the reason for its popularity.

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